Transforming data, trust and public services

Data is no longer just a tool—it’s a catalyst for creating societal change and it’s vital we work together to make the most of this opportunity. At Power of Data, the UK’s leading minds in data, policy, and technology came together to explore how we can revolutionise how government uses data to create greater innovation, equity, and growth. From breaking down silos to building public trust, this landmark event was full of critical conversations about turning fragmented systems into cohesive frameworks that benefit everyone.

The day wasn’t just about discussing challenges but finding actionable solutions. With thought-provoking keynotes, dynamic panel discussions, and collaborative roundtables, attendees left with fresh insights and practical steps to transform data into a force for societal good.

Trust matters 

One of the key discussion points throughout the day was how we balance transparency with privacy. Government holds vast amounts of personal information, but using it effectively requires earning—and maintaining—public trust. This was underscored by insights from our State of Data report, unveiled during the event, which revealed that 62% of 2,000 surveyed citizens expressed concerns about privacy and ethical data use. Less than half (41%) trusted the government to handle their data responsibly. 

Trust isn’t built overnight; it comes from consistently demonstrating ethical and responsible data practices. For instance, balancing risk with impact and adopting user centred design principles can help ensure that data systems work for everyone. 

Where data meets policy

The intersection of data and policy was explored through lessons from government initiatives, specifically the MHCLG Data Unit. Three critical areas were highlighted where data can, and is, creating transformative change: supporting ministerial decision-making, enabling system-wide improvements, and empowering local government. For instance, tracking the spatial footprint of government spending and simplifying funding processes for local authorities were showcased as ways to improve efficiency and reduce administrative burdens. 

These examples show how data can provide actionable insights, streamline operations, and align resources with public needs. It highlights how the public sector's information is both a strategic asset and a practical tool for bridging gaps between policy intent and real-world outcomes.

Data by the people, for the people

People must be involved in shaping how their data is used. Public data is a shared asset that holds huge potential to enable innovation, improve services, and support policymaking. But its use comes with expectations. Privacy must be safeguarded, ethical considerations must guide decisions, and benefits should extend to all citizens. If they aren’t, we risk losing trust and people withdrawing their consent or even avoiding public services.

There are various methods for involving the public, from user research and market analysis to collective intelligence and deliberative governance. While there are challenges like time, cost, representation and uncovering uncomfortable truths, even small steps toward inclusion will produce benefits. By focusing on the things that matter to people, using different and varied public engagement methods, and getting decision makers involved in the process to see how citizens feel about data use, we can help public involvement transform data strategies into tools for societal progress. When citizens feel heard and see their input reflected in policy and practice, trust grows—and with it, the potential for data to create meaningful change.

Making data a strategic asset

Data mapping is a foundational step in transforming how the public sector manages and leverages its data. Drawing from work at the Department for Education (DfE), we explored how creating a comprehensive data map can provide critical visibility into what information exists, where it is stored, and how it flows through an organisation. This work is not only helping identify inefficiencies but also laying the groundwork for better governance, streamlined systems, and more informed decision-making.

The DfE’s journey highlights both the challenges and successes of work of this kind. Despite facing some hurdles such as managing internal stakeholders, government processes and a changing political landscape, the project succeeded through strong stakeholder engagement, delivering tangible outputs, and evolving to meet emerging needs. While data mapping is resource-intensive, this work showed how its benefits far outweigh the costs. By treating data as a strategic asset and investing in tools and processes to manage it effectively, government organisations can harness its full potential for innovation and public good.

Central and local digital collaboration

Addressing the challenges around fragmentation across levels of government, which often result in poorer outcomes for citizens and a limited ability to innovate or scale solutions effectively, were put into sharp focus. GDS has recently started a 12-week sprint focused on five critical areas, including broader adoption of AI tools, reducing IT costs through better procurement, and improving data sharing across local government. By engaging directly with over 30 digital practitioners, conducting regional visits, and hosting events, the initiative aims to create an actionable plan that encourages collaboration and aligns policy intent with delivery. 

Emerging insights from the sprint revealed both opportunities and obstacles in achieving this vision. For instance, while AI tools hold significant potential for local government, there is a pressing need to identify unmet local needs and ensure these solutions are relevant to real-world challenges rather than being dictated by centralised priorities. Additionally, data portability and interoperability remain major hurdles, with large suppliers needing reform to enable smoother data flows. By building up regional collaborative innovation and addressing capacity gaps, the aim is to see a future where central support acts as an enabler rather than a barrier, empowering local governments to deliver impactful, scalable digital services. This shift represents a vital step toward creating a more connected and responsive public sector.

Collaborate to innovate

In an era where data is and will shape decisions that affect millions, trust, transparency, and collaboration have never been so important. From rebuilding public confidence to leveraging AI responsibly, our attendees showed us how data is only as powerful as the systems, values and people guiding it.

As we move forward, the challenge isn’t just collecting or analysing data but making sure it serves everyone. By bringing people together to share their ideas, successes and challenges, we can turn fragmented systems into cohesive frameworks that deliver real, positive impacts for people, places and the planet.

Thank you to all the speakers and guests who attended Power of Data. The event may be over, but you can still access our State of Data report now.